US20100275355A1

US20100275355A1 - Toilet Helper for Children and Little People

Info

Publication number: US20100275355A1
Application number: US12/721,190
Authority: US
Inventors: Rex Romaine Bahr
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-04-30
Filing date: 2010-03-10
Publication date: 2010-11-04

Abstract

A device for small children and other little people to assist in the safe and comfortable use of standard-sized toilets. The device is either a unitary apparatus or three-piece apparatus formed with a middle, a first extension, and a second extension and formed to fit firmly against a toilet base in a manner that prevents sliding and movement. The device is hollow in such a manner that an odorless or pleasant-smelling liquid can be used to weight the device down while also emitting a pleasant smell for the restroom. A top and a bottom also are attached to the main body, first extension and second extension in order to provide additional safety.

Description

CONTINUITY DATA

This is a non-provisional of provisional patent application No. 61/174,044 filed on Apr. 30, 2009, and priority to that application is hereby claimed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a device that is formed to fit against a toilet in such a manner that the device is weighted down and provides traction while also elevating the user so the user can use a standard-sized toilet.

BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Children and other little people often have a difficult time reaching the toilet. This is due to their small stature, which causes practical issues that may be frustrating and embarrassing to this person. In addition, potty training is difficult enough for parent and child. When height limitations are included into the process, it merely makes the objective that much more complicated to achieve. Because of this, there is a need for a toilet helper so that children and little people can use a standard-sized toilet.
Specialized toilets are typically 14-inches in height. Meanwhile, standard toilets are typically 16-inches in height. This difference in inches is vastly important when relating to a little person trying to comfortably use a standard toilet. In addition, it can be relatively costly and inefficient for a specialized, shorter toilet to be installed in a restroom. As such, there is a need for an item that can effectively boost the little person up to use a standard toilet. Moreover, the helping boost must remain balanced, stationary and adapt to various restroom conditions such as density and clutter. The present invention solves this need by incorporating a main body with a first extension and a second extension to essentially fit around the front of the toilet base to ensure a consolidated and stationary platform.
Another problem is that little people and children often must stand on a platform or elevated item. This actually causes some people to feel uneasy, as it is not a natural feeling. Particularly when water from a sink or shower stall makes the surface slippery, significant danger can result. The present invention provides a means for traction and support to prevent slippage of the person and also the sliding of the actual apparatus.
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/516,309 filed by McDowell on Sep. 6, 2006 is a toilet training stool. Unlike the present invention, McDowell requires an elevated platform to be installed with sidewalls. McDowell ultimately requires a substantial amount of installation as the sidewalls encompass the toilet in an elevated manner. In contrast, the present invention solves the toilet training and use need by providing a unitary base that is placed in front of the toilet base to ensure a consolidated and stationary platform.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,259,612 issued to Matherne et al on Nov. 9, 2003 is a portable support for a basketball goal system. Matherne supports a basketball pole that is mounted to a base that fills with water. Unlike the present invention, Matherne is not configured with a middle, first extension and second extension. In addition, Matherne does not account for a person stepping on its base and traction elements to avoid slippage.
Other items relating to toilet training and toilet aide relate to pans and seat assistance. In that regard, the present invention is novel in that it is formed to fit against a toilet in such a manner that the device is weighted down and provides traction while also elevating the user so the user can use a standard-sized toilet. In addition, liquid is used inside the present invention middle for weight and its first extension and second extension to ultimately provide a platform that does not require extensive installation or impediment.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention is a device that assists children and other little people with their use of the toilet. The present invention is formed so that its interior elements are placed on the floor and flush against the base of a toilet. The top covering in one embodiment is formed with a rough tread to prevent the user from slipping. The bottom covering also is rough to prevent skidding.
The present invention is placed under the toilet and slid toward the toilet base so that it rests tightly against the toilet base. The present invention in the preferred embodiment is unitary. The first extension and the second extension hug the sides of the toilet base. The middle is flush against the front of the toilet base. In the preferred embodiment, the top covering with the rough tread is placed on the top of the middle. The bottom covering is placed on the first extension and the second extension in the preferred embodiment as well.
The interior of the present invention is formed to be hollow. A fill and dump opening provides an opening at the top of the present invention. The fill and dump opening is formed so that liquid can be poured into the hole of the fill and dump opening. The liquid serves to provide weight and additional stability to keep the present invention in one sustained position. In an additional embodiment, the liquid is pleasant smelling so that the pleasant smell is emitted. This embodiment offers the dual function of providing a pleasant fragrance to the restroom while also serving as a weight. Moreover, the embodiment with the liquid features is configured such that the liquid will not sour over time. Essentially, one embodiment utilizes the fill and dump valve. In an additional embodiment, the liquid is filled into the hollow interior of the present invention and then sealed in such a manner as to prevent evaporation. This embodiment is molded to effectively secure a liquid lock.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention is a device that assists children and other little people with the use of standard-sized toilets. As we see in FIG. 1, the present invention is comprised of a horseshoe, or U-shaped apparatus to fit around the front of the toilet stool or base. In the preferred embodiment, the present invention is formed into a unitary piece comprising of the middle (10), first extension (20) and the second extension (30). However, in an additional embodiment, the present invention can be comprised of three pieces of the middle (10), first extension (20) and the second extension (30). In that embodiment, the pieces are secured and formed by making two holes with a plug or threaded plug.
The height of the present invention is envisioned to be around 4 inches. The first extension (20) and second extension (30) that slide around the toilet stool or base are each between 12 inches and 14 inches long. The middle (10) is between 4 inches and 6 inches long. The width of the first extension (20) and the width of the second extension (30) are between 5 inches and 8 inches.
As we see from the top view of FIG. 1, a top (40) is formed with a rough tread to reduce slipping. In an additional embodiment, the top (40) is a covering that is secured via conventional means to the top (40) of the present invention. In an additional embodiment, the rough tread of the top (40) or covering encompasses the entire top portion of the present invention. The rough tread of the top (40) is rough or grooved in order to help prevent the user from slipping. An additional embodiment forms grooves into the top (40) so that any water that finds its way onto the top (40) is diverted into the grooves and consequently below the primary surface so as not to puddle in a position where the user can slip. In addition to the top of the present invention, FIG. 3 shows the bottom where the preferred embodiment also has a rough tread formed from a bottom (60) or bottom covering. The bottom (60) is formed with the rough tread so that the present invention does not slip. An additional embodiment also relates placing the unitary or three-piece present invention onto a U-shaped pad to keep the present invention from moving from incidental contact. The U-shaped pad in the preferred embodiment is formed via material that is rough enough to refrain from skidding. The U-shaped pad is formed to fit around the toilet stool or base. It should be noted that in the preferred embodiment, the portions of the present invention that touch the toilet stool or base are curved.
The interior of the present invention is formed to be hollow. This means that in one embodiment of the present invention, the interior of the middle (10), first extension (20) and second extension (30) are hollow. A fill and dump opening (50) provides an opening at the top of the present invention. In the preferred embodiment, the fill and dump opening (50) is placed at the rear of the apparatus so as not to interfere. In addition, a fill and dump opening (50) in the preferred embodiment is located on first extension (20) and second extension (30) to accommodate right-handed and left-handed users. The fill and dump valve (50) is formed so that liquid can be poured into the hole of the fill and dump valve (50), which leads into the hollow interior of the present invention. The liquid serves to provide weight and additional stability to keep the present invention in one sustained position. In an alternative embodiment, a pleasant-smelling conventional liquid being housed in the hollowed interior of the present invention can permeate throughout the room. In still an additional embodiment, the main body, first extension, and second extension are slightly pliable so that when a little person or child puts pressure on the upper surface through the natural force of standing, the surface will slightly press inward. This force will push the surface into the hollow interior, which will in turn force air out of one-way valves that prevent the liquid from escaping. When air pushes out of the one-way valves, the pleasant fragrance of the liquid will permeate through the restroom.
The present invention is placed under the toilet and slid toward the toilet base so that the interior sides of the first extension (20) and second extension (30) rest tightly against the toilet stool or base. The first extension (20) and the second extension (30) hug the sides of the toilet base. The middle (10) is flush against the front of the toilet stool or base. The dimensions mentioned above are based on standard toilets, meaning that the dimensions of the present invention are formed so that the present invention can adequately serve its purpose of assisting children and other little people.
It also is important to note that the fill and dump opening (50) of the present invention in the preferred embodiment may be at the back of the first extension (20) or the second extension (30) so that it is not a tripping hazard. In addition, this aspect permits either a left-handed user or a right-handed user to more comfortably use the fill and dump opening (50) depending on which extension it is located. In addition, the present invention in the preferred embodiment is flat along the bottom for increased strength and durability. The rough tread (60) also may be located along the entire portion of the top and bottom surface for stability and traction. Moreover, the front of the present invention can be either squared off or rounded.
In all embodiments, in order to construct the present invention to be formed in the manner described above, a hollow heavy casting is made. Pellets are included into the form and then heated and turned in all directions so that the pellets melt. The preferred embodiment is to have the pellets made out of plastic. After the heating process, the present invention molding is cooled and opened in order to remove the formed plastic of the present invention. In the preferred embodiment, fill holes also are molded in. It also should be noted that the present invention is formed to be sealed tightly. It should be noted that the present invention is molded such that the unitary apparatus is sealed tight in such a manner as described so that there is a liquid lock to prevent the liquid from escaping. The liquid, meanwhile, fills the entire hollow chamber that serves as the interior of the present invention.
Having illustrated the present invention, it should be understood that various adjustments and versions might be implemented without venturing away from the essence of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and should be interpreted as any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A toilet helping device, comprising:

a U-shaped apparatus configured to fit around a front of a base of the toilet;

said U-shaped apparatus formed to have a middle, a first extension, and a second extension;

a top of said U-shaped apparatus configured to reduce slipping via a rough tread;

said U-shaped apparatus having an interior, said interior being hollow;

a fill and dump valve is formed such that liquid can be poured into an opening within said fill and dump valve, said opening leading into said interior;

said middle configured to fit flush against said front of said base of the toilet; and

said first extension and said second extension configured to hug the sides of said base of the toilet.

2. The toilet helping device of claim 1, wherein said U-shaped apparatus is unitary.

3. The toilet helping device of claim 1, wherein said first extension and said second extension are both configured to be between 12 inches and 14 inches long.

4. The toilet helping device of claim 1, wherein said middle configured to be between 4 inches and 6 inches long.

5. The toilet helping device of claim 1, wherein said first extension and said second extension are both configured to be between 5 inches and 8 inches wide.

6. The toilet helping device of claim 1, wherein said top is configured to have grooves.

7. The toilet helping device of claim 1, wherein a bottom of said U-shaped apparatus is configured to not slip via a second rough tread.

8. The toilet helping device of claim 1, wherein said liquid is pleasant smelling.

9. The toilet helping device of claim 1, wherein said first extension, said second extension and said middle are configured to be slightly pliable.

10. The toilet helping device of claim 1, wherein said first extension, said second extension and said middle are configured to be slightly pliable such that when force is pressed against either said first extension, said second extension or said middle, air will be forced through one-way valves.

11. The toilet helping device of claim 10, wherein said one-way valves configured to prevent liquid from escaping.

12. A toilet helping device, comprising:

a U-shaped apparatus configured to fit around a front of a base of the toilet;

said U-shaped apparatus having an interior, said interior being hollow;

said middle configured to fit flush against said front of said base of the toilet;

said first extension and said second extension configured to hug the sides of said base of the toilet;

wherein said U-shaped apparatus is unitary;

wherein said first extension and said second extension are both configured to be between 12 inches and 14 inches long;

wherein said middle configured to be between 4 inches and 6 inches long;

wherein said first extension and said second extension are both configured to be between 5 inches and 8 inches wide;

wherein said top is configured to have grooves;

wherein a bottom of said U-shaped apparatus configured to not slip via a second rough tread;

wherein said liquid is pleasant smelling;

wherein said first extension, said second extension and said middle are configured to be slightly pliable;

wherein said first extension, said second extension and said middle are configured to be slightly pliable such that when force is pressed against either said first extension, said second extension or said middle, air will be forced through one-way valves; and

wherein said one-way valves configured to prevent liquid from escaping.

13. A method for toilet assistance, comprising:

forming a U-shaped apparatus to fit around a front of a base of the toilet;

forming the U-shaped apparatus with a middle, a first extension and a second extension;

reducing slippage at a top of the U-shaped apparatus via a rough tread;

hollowing an interior of the U-shaped apparatus such that the interior of the U-shaped apparatus can be filled with liquid;

allowing the liquid to be placed into the interior of the U-shaped apparatus via a fill and dump valve;

configuring the middle of the U-shaped apparatus to hug sides of the base of the toilet; and

configuring the first extension and the second extension to hug the sides of the base of the toilet.

14. The method for toilet assistance of claim 1, further comprising forming the U-shaped apparatus such that it is unitary.

15. The method for toilet assistance of claim 13, further comprising extending the first extension and the second extension between 12 inches and 14 inches outward from the middle of the U-shaped apparatus.

16. The method for toilet assistance of claim 13, further comprising forming the middle of the U-shaped apparatus to be between 4 inches and 6 inches long.

17. The method for toilet assistance of claim 13, further comprising extending the first extension and the second extension between 5 inches and 8 inches wide.

18. The method for toilet assistance of claim 13, further comprising placing grooves onto the top of the U-shaped apparatus.

19. The method for toilet assistance of claim 13, further comprising forming the U-shaped apparatus to be slightly pliable such that when force is pressed against either said first extension, said second extension or said middle, air will be forced through one-way valve of the fill and dump valve.